Sleep Apnea Treatment in Roxborough

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Apnea is a temporary cessation of breathing that can be caused by structural defects or weakness in the muscles of the throat or by a failure of the nervous system to send necessary signals to the diaphragm. As its name suggests, sleep apnea occurs when individuals are sleeping. It can cause insomnia, frequent waking and exhaustion for those suffering from this serious condition.

Diagnosing Sleep Apnea in Roxborough

You may wish to consult your physician if you are suffering from any of the following sleep apnea symptoms on a regular basis:

• Choking or gasping for air at night
• Waking up with shortness of breath
• Loud and persistent snoring
• Exhaustion and lack of productivity during the day
• Cognitive issues, including slowness and failure to process ideas normally
• Moodiness and depression
• Headaches

Left untreated, apnea can cause cardiovascular issues and may even cause cardiac arrest during a choking episode. This can pose serious threats to health for those affected by apnea conditions.

What Are Some of the Most Common Sleep Apnea Causes?

Apnea during sleep usually occurs for one of two reasons:

• Failure of electrical impulses from the brain to prompt breathing in the diaphragm
• Collapse of soft tissue in the throat or airway

The first type is referred to as central apnea and requires the help of a medical doctor to control. The second type, obstructive apnea, can sometimes be treated in your dentist’s office with a specialized dental appliance designed to prevent airways from collapsing during sleep. The treatment options available to you will vary depending on the severity of your symptoms and the type of apnea that your doctor diagnoses in your case.

What Are My Options for Treating Sleep Apnea?

Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you may need to make significant lifestyle changes that may include the following:

• Losing a significant amount of weight
• Exercising regularly
• Stopping smoking
• Reducing stress in your daily life
• Sleeping on a regular schedule

Our office can also provide you with a sleep apnea mouth guard that can keep your airway open at night to reduce the number of obstructive apnea incidents you experience during your sleeping hours.

Oral Appliance Treatments

How Are Oral Appliances Used to Treat Sleep Apnea?

A sleep apnea mouthpiece can realign your jaw to reduce the chance that your airway will close while you are sleeping. These custom-fitted dental appliances are one of the most effective tools in your dentist’s arsenal for combating apnea issues. Our dental team can customize your oral appliance to ensure a comfortable fit and to provide you with the most practical protection against apnea episodes.

How Much Will I Pay for an Oral Appliance?

The cost of an oral appliance for sleep apnea in Roxborough may vary depending on the configuration of your device. Our dental team will work with you throughout the process to keep you informed about the costs and to provide you with affordable options for your apnea appliance requirements. This can help you to deal with apnea issues more easily and in the most cost-effective way possible.

What Are the Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy?

Your mouthpiece can be worn every night to prevent the collapse of your airway while you sleep. This can help you to sleep more soundly and can reduce fatigue, headaches, and stress. Taking steps to prevent apnea at night can also reduce strain on your heart and can lower your chances of developing serious health problems, including the following:

• High blood pressure
• Sexual dysfunction
• Certain types of cancer
• Asthma and obstructive airway issues
• Metabolic problems that may include diabetes
• Cognitive disorders
• Cardiovascular diseases
• Complications during pregnancy

Wearing your oral appliance for apnea every time you sleep can help you get a restful night of sleep, which can give you the energy needed to manage all your responsibilities. Our dental team can fabricate a mouthpiece that fits your needs and provides support to keep your airway open during sleep.

Is an Oral Appliance for Sleep Apnea Covered by Insurance?

Appliances designed to prevent or control sleep apnea in Roxborough are usually covered by insurance at least in part. Our dental practice will work with your insurer to make sure that your out-of-pocket costs stay as low as possible. If you need practical help with your apnea issues, call us today to schedule an appointment. We are here to serve all your dental care needs.